Attention People with DSLRs

Krizzle4Rizzle

I found the camera I want: Canon - EOS Rebel T3i 18.0-Megapixel DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens.

So my question is, are these user friendly? Or am I going to have a difficult time learning to use this? I have never had a DSLR or ever used one for that matter. But I am kind of tech savvy. Any suggestions?

the_journeyman

Most DSLRs have everything from full-auto settings to full manual settings. You'll have no problem using it on full auto. Then, you can experiment with using the other settings as you learn the basics & advanced parts of photography.

Can't say anything canon-specific, I'm a Nikon guy.

JM

wellbert

I thought so. Put it in the "green box" and fire away. Learn the other features as you get a feel for the camera.
There really is NOT a hell of a lot to know about a camera, technically speaking. A mildly technical individual can sit down in an afternoon with a cup of tea and the owners manual and have a decent understanding all of the camera settings (iso, aperture, etc) and how they affect the picture.

A working knowledge of when/how to use the above features can take considerably longer. But you'll get to the point where you're thinking 'Hmm, with this light i need ISO400 if I want to shoot at 8.0 with a fast shutter speed'


Taking good pictures, knowing what is interesting, etc, could take a lifetime.

Here's a hint: Don't use software to "sharpen" an image. It makes everything look jagged and too contrasty at the edges. To the amateur it might look "nicer" but to anyone that's been doing it for any time at all, it's like nails on a chalkboard. Or razorblades in the eyes.

Don't be afraid to richen up the colors a little bit - but if your photos start looking like bad HDR (most hdr) or a grateful dead poster, you've gone too far.


In this order:
1. Learn to care and maintain your camera.
2. Learn Composition.
3. Learn all the fancy little features
4. Buy more stuff you don't know you need yet. Like lenses with a little 'L' on them.

iuew

I found the camera I want: Canon - EOS Rebel T3i 18.0-Megapixel DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens.

So my question is, are these user friendly? Or am I going to have a difficult time learning to use this? I have never had a DSLR or ever used one for that matter. But I am kind of tech savvy. Any suggestions?

i have the Rebel T2i, and it is great. honestly, the auto settings are pretty good out of the box. colors are gorgeous. it also does pretty well in low light. settings are fairly simple to figure out; it is my first DSLR, and i didn't have many problems getting good photos.

haven't used the T3i, but if it's like mine (and i assume that it probably is), i would recommend it.

tomomatic

I use the auto modes 90% of the time. At some point, I want to take a course at the community college after work on photography. For now, I'm happy. I have a Nikon D60 and I'm very happy with it. It won't be my last DSLR but it's going to last me for a long time.

One thing that bothers me about the DSLRs that take video (and somebody chime in because I don't have a good handle on the internal mechanics): The biggest problem that my dad always had with his SLR (non-digital) was dust getting caught in the shutter and jamming the shutter mechanism. Isn't it more likely to jam when the shutter is left open longer when taking videos?

the_journeyman

I've never had a jamming issue, and I've had a LOT of dust get in my D70. It didn't take video, but I never had any jams. I don't think it would make much of a difference whether or not you're holding the shutter open for a video or holding it open for a long still exposure. It's still open.

JM

mickipedia

Not sure about that one in particular but I agree with the others, keep it on auto and experiment with each of the different settings.

I've got a Canon 1100D and its pretty awesome, and didn't take too long to get used to.

Also there are some really good guides online, but I recommend taking a picture of the same thing with different settings on it and you'll start to work out what setting is best to use and then you can start playing with aperture and shutter speed etc =D

ShmoozyQ

I have a D90 so I can't speak to the particulars of a Canon, but I didn't think learning to use mine was all that difficult. Read the manual, that's always a good start. Then get the "For Dummies" book for your camera. When you learn *how* to change settings and where to find specific things in navigation menus, learning becomes much more effective.

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Petersen is a wonderful book for beginners (heck I still reference it sometimes). And beyond that, there's tons of online tutorials you can experiment with to get comfortable with your camera. Just have fun with it!

ccmccoy09

In this order:
1. Learn to care and maintain your camera.
2. Learn Composition.
3. Learn all the fancy little features
4. Buy more stuff you don't know you need yet. Like lenses with a little 'L' on them.

This is the best advice I've read EVER on going from 0 to DSLR! Composition is so important. It doesn't matter how many tricks you know for selective focus or color effects or how many cool lenses or filters you have; if your composition sucks, the picture is going to suck. Think of all those funny pics on the interwebs of hot women's bathroom mirror profile pics -- with a dirty bedroom or poop in the toilet in the background. :bigsmile:

I would like to add, reading the manual helps. It's fun to putter around with the camera while hanging around the house on a weekend or evening. You're going to LOVE your camera. I have the Rebel T2i and I love it.